Back-to-school season is just around the corner. Families are bustling through supply aisles, picking out the perfect backpack, and hoping this year’s mornings go a little more smoothly than the last. But beneath the logistical chaos lies something more profound: the emotional and cognitive heavy lifting many students face as they gear up for another academic year.

At Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning, we see every year how much more there is to back-to-school than just pencils and planners. At the heart of it all? Executive functioning.

Executive functioning refers to the mental skills that help us plan, stay organised, manage our time and regulate our emotions. For students, these skills are essential for success both in and out of the classroom. Whether it’s remembering to bring homework home, managing frustration over a tricky maths problem or juggling multiple class responsibilities, executive functioning is the behind-the-scenes engine that keeps everything running.

Some children develop these skills naturally, but many — especially those with ADHD, anxiety or learning differences — need a little extra support. The good news? Families don’t need a degree in neuroscience to help. With a few intentional habits, parents and caregivers can take the same tools we use at BCCL into their homes to support their child’s development.

Here are some simple, powerful ways to set your child up for a smoother start to the school year:

1, Start with structure

Routines help children feel secure, even if they push back against them. Rather than expecting your child to power through a long to-do list, help them break it down. Create a simple visual schedule for before and after school — think of it as a morning and evening “map”. For younger children, take pictures of your child doing their routine and print them out, placing them at your child’s eye level. Teenagers also benefit from a written checklist: it helps them to know what’s next and offers the satisfaction of ticking off completed tasks. Consistency builds confidence.

2, Do a nightly backpack check

Set aside five minutes in the evening for a “backpack reset”. Empty it, sort papers and repack for tomorrow. It’s a small habit that pays off big — less stress in the morning and a growing sense of responsibility.

3, Use colours and containers

Organisational systems don’t need to be fancy. Colour-coded folders, clearly labelled bins and a designated homework spot at home can do wonders for a child’s ability to find what they need — and put it back. Involve your child in the process. Let them help choose containers or draw the labels. When children know where things go — and can find them again — they’re strengthening working memory and practising independence without even realising it.

4, Make time visible

Many students — and adults! — struggle with the concept of time. Use visual timers, like the brand Time Timer, for routines such as brushing teeth or doing homework. Talk aloud about how long things take: “It’s 6.30 — let’s see if we can finish dinner and dishes by 7.” You can even make it fun: “It took you five minutes last night to pack your bag — can you beat your time tonight?”

5, Talk about emotions, too

Executive functioning is not just about managing tasks — it’s also about managing feelings. Back-to-school jitters are real. Create space for conversations about nerves, excitement or frustration. Try strategies such as deep breathing, mindfulness, journalling or simply asking, “What part of today felt hard?” And don’t hesitate to ask for support from a professional. Mental health matters.

6, Praise the process, not just the product

Building executive functioning skills is a journey, not a checklist. Focus on effort, not just outcomes: “I noticed you packed your lunch all by yourself today — that’s great planning!” Small wins build motivation and self-confidence.

At BCCL, we see every day how the right support can help children grow into capable, confident learners — and people. While the back-to-school season may always bring a bit of chaos, it also offers a chance to build habits that last far beyond the classroom. With a few intentional strategies, and a lot of empathy, we can help every student feel a little more ready to learn, grow and thrive.

Because when we help children organise their binders, manage their backpacks and understand their big feelings, we’re not just preparing them for school — we’re preparing them for life.

Families can visit BCCL’s resource page to explore our collection of free, downloadable PDFs for helpful tools and practical strategies for success. Visit bccl.bm and click “Resources” at the top of the homepage.

• Lindsey Sirju is the cofounder and deputy head of school and the Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning